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Hello,
I am not against the idea of the BBQ however i feel that as with many things in Bristol it may be abused. You need to remember that a communal BBQ would mean that anyone is welcome to use it and therefore would be on a first come first serve basis. So there would be no constraints as to who could use it. We also need to remember that the hot weather attracts some not so nice people and is usually the time in which we recieve most complaints.
Also if the BBQ's are left out on a full time basis there is no telling what kind of things would be done to the actual equipment and i not sure people would be want to eat food off of it! One more thing, if the BBQ was to be used very late at night on a hot day this could cause problems for the local residents.

May i make a suggestion,
Instead of a communal BBQ or BBQ area you could purchase a large BBQ and request that it be kept under lock and key by the Parks officer. That way anyone could request use of the BBQ on a certain date. This would ensure the BBQ would not be abused or used by the type of people who cause problems in the park, it would also be clean. This would also enable the local residents to be informed of the proposed BBQ session.
As for a communial area could you not just used one of the paved areas that way the park would not need to be changed and you would meet less resistance from the council.

Thank you for your enquiry regarding disposable barbecues. Somerfield does not currently stock disposable barbecues with metal stands and is unable to order any new stocks this year. Somerfield is a convenience supermarket with smaller stores, predominantly in high street locations, with a focus on top-up shopping and fresh foods. We are unable to provide the range and breadth of non-food products of some of our larger competitors.

We are always investing in our stores and product ranges to bring positive benefits to local shoppers. We are committed to offering as much seasonal non-food choice as possible without compromising our quality fresh food offer. As a responsible retailer we appreciate your concerns about the irresponsible use of these barbecues in your local park. Barbecue equipment and disposable grills should only be used in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions, and consumers should also always take appropriate safety precautions. These products have clear instructions for safe and responsible use included clearly on the pack. Combined with a safety notice in store and a request for responsible use of disposable barbecues at the entrance to the park, this should help to raise awareness and significantly reduce the problem.

Somerfield has recently been acquired by the Co-operative Group and we are currently integrating the buying processes in all departments. I am not familiar with the Co-op disposable barbecue range so I am unable to offer you an insight into the range of products that will be available in our Gloucester Road stores next summer.

This is the notice I have asked our Ashley Down Somerfield store to position near the barbecues.

Disposable barbecue grills should only be used responsibly and in accordance with manufacturers' instructions.

Yesterday I spoke to Somerfields Press Officer, Ms Julie Daniels, and asked her if Somerfield would stop selling standard barbecues and instead only sell the little leg variety( let's call them LL) - which in theory dont burn the grass as they are raised above the ground level. Julie mentioned a number of reasons why they would probably not do so. Firstly, Somerfield, as you know, have recently been taken over by the Co-op and she did not know what policy they had on this. But we could contact them - which I shall in due course. Julie also said that any change like this takes about six months to action as they need to order them by the container-load from China. She pointed out that the LL barbecues tend to give way under their own weight and sag in the middle - so they dont actually work very well. Has anyone had experience of this? She also said we should ask the council to put signs banning the use of barbecues and instead, do as they do abroad, have communal barbecues - with slot machines for pay-as-you-grill gas. I thought this was all quite interesting and have asked Julie to put down Somerfield's position in an email so we can use it in a press release for the Bristol Post and Venue.

Doug you are right about the elf and safety police -- my partner and I bemoan our over-regulated society on a (er) regular basis. But please can we think positive about this? Until the bureaucrats spoil the fun, let's enjoy the prospect of swathes of unmolested green, green grass....and cheerful throngs and their sizzling sausages.

Mary,
While I sympathise with your idea of a communal BBQ in the Park, I think that we are far too Health & Safety
minded in this country & any Council built BBQ would probably have DANGER HOT notices plastered all
over it lest some inebriated youngster were to burn him/her self. IF by some chance the Council were to allow
a BBQ then it must be built of stone to reflect the houses surrounding & NOT of brick which would look out of place. Personally, I think it's a good idea & would create a community atmosphere among the young who would
be the greatest users of it. But we don't live in Australia & the Elf & Safety mob are into everything that we do
First person burnt would be lodging a compensation claim against the Council for not protecting their Human Rights as a Park goer!!